The song of the day for Friday, November 14, 2025, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocals. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in June 1996 for his album dedicated to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

About the Billie Holiday Version

In 1942, Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra came to Capitol Records to record an instrumental version of “Trav’lin’ Light.” Trummy Young, who composed the song and played trombone in the orchestra, had brought his girlfriend, Billie Holiday, to the session. Johnny Mercer, one of the founders of Capitol Records quickly wrote lyrics for the tune for Billie Holiday to sing on the recording. She was credited as Lady Day, as she was under contract to another studio. The recording is magnificent.